Reviewing Sam’s in Albany

For Sunday’s review, Ruth Fantasia checked out the venerable Sam’s Italian & American Restaurant in Albany. Short version:

There are hundreds of Italian-American restaurants in the Capital Region, but few of them have developed a loyal following that Sam’s in Albany has. Even on a cold Tuesday night, Sam’s bustles with activity as regulars come and go. It seems as if everyone’s a regular customer here. Guests are usually greeted by name, and inquiries abound about the health and well-being of family members not present. The food here isn’t exotic or even inventive.

13 Responses

Can we organize a petition to fire Ruth as a critic? (Sorry Steve, I know she’s your boss.) Please, another review where she didn’t get a bad dish and she gives them 2 stars but others with bigger “names” get 3 stars while complaining about either service or poor dishes. Also she mentioned the Calamari but didin’t review the dish. How will ever know if the calamari was acceptable?

Let her review the nearest BK and McD’s on Wolf Road and see if they can garnish 2 or 3 stars like every other restaurant she reviews.

My wife and I feel honored to be included in the Sam’s “family”. Having dined there for over 25 years, we feel as comfortable there today as when we first walked through the door. Carmela is the ultimate hostess and always greets us with smile and warm hello. She has trained her staff with the same eye on hospitality that is missing in so many local establishments.
The weekly wine specials are always a bargain considering the quality of wine that is offered. The food is always excellent, arriving hot and properly spiced. Carmela’s brother in the kitchen adheres to the same high quality standard that is shown in the front of the house.
When ever we need a lift in spirits or just feel like being pampered, it’s off to Sam’s for a dose of family comfort.

Not to critique the critique, but doesn’t the use of the word “cold” sound pejorative? I’ve been to Sam’s many times and wouldn’t characterize the bread as having been “cold.” Room temperature? Sure. Unheated? Absolutely. But never cold.

Just for fun, we should try to name all the Italian restaurants in the area. I’m not sure “hundreds” is quite accurate. Maybe if you count all the pizza places, which I’m not sure you should. Regardless, maybe we could all list the Italian places in our hometown.

I’m from Glenville, and here’s what I’ve got off the top of my head (I AM including pizza places):

My wife and I have dined at Sam’s for 20+ years and it has always been solid. Carmella and family are the best and welcome you as if you are coming home. She is a horrible reviewer and I am sometimes confused w/her ratings after thinking she has given a favorable review. I second the montion #5.

#7 Martyn. She copped some thai stick on the times union dime before dinner. dinner($60.00) + thai stick($40.00 circa 1980) = $100.00. Which would explain some of here revues. Hey Ruth, let’s get together for dinner some time.

“skipped ubiquitous appetizers” for roasted peppers, anchovies and olives. Like those are difficult to find? That came with a can of anchovies? Huh?
Sam’s is the best neighborhood joint in Albany. Rather go to dinner with meat and friends.

I’ve been thinking this over off and on since I read the thing and it continues to annoy me. Ruth says the food “wasn’t…even inventive.” She clearly values something different over something good, which is why she gives more stars to new places that have glaring deficiencies. Sam’s has consistently provided me with both above-average food and service, and it does a hopping business so I assume other people feel that way as well.

Its to the point that any time I see the word calamari in her review I feel like we are all playing a drinking game.

Sam’s is a great family place. I always feel like I’m at someone’s mom’s house when I’m there, right down to the decor. It has been and probably will always be a place where a person can enjoy a reliably good meal with friends or family. They’ve packed the house for many years in a semi-obscure location. Folks would not continue to patronize through the years for food and service that is mediocre or just serviceable.

Went for lunch today with a co-worker and thoroughly enjoyed myself. For $7.50 I got a cup of pasta e fagioli (which was easily on par with my homemade version), an open faced veal & peppers sandwich, and a glass of ginger ale. Good food, good service, unbeatable value.

@Kerosena, this place totally felt like my Italian grandmother’s house right down to the smell! (not sure if this is a good or a bad thing…)

Not sure if I would make a special trip just for dinner, but I wouldn’t hesitate to stop in again for lunch or if I happened to be “in the area” and hungry.